“What’s with the scowl?” Cain asked.

“Just trying to execute a peace treaty between Juliette and Anna.”

He raised a brow. “It didn’t go well?”

“Understatement of the century. Jules just can’t see Anna for who she really is.”

“That could make things rocky for you.”

I scrubbed a hand over my jaw. “I’m hoping Jules has had enough time to cool down to see reason.”

“You might have to be a little firmer with her, and I know that’s hard for you.”

“Not when it comes to Anna. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I never want to hurt Juliette, but I won’t let her around Anna if she’s going to be cruel.”

Cain met my gaze dead-on. “What are you going to do about holidays?”

A lead weight settled in my gut. Jules and I always spent from Christmas through New Year’s together. We usually took a trip, going on some adventure that we’d remember forever. But that would be different this year. I was sure Anna and I would want to celebrate Christmas Day at home with Justin and Lyla opening tons of presents. And if we took a trip, it would have to be with everyone.

“See? Harder than you thought,” Cain said. “All of our relationships have threads. And it’s going to take some adjusting now that your priorities have changed.”

“Why do you have to be so damn wise all the time?” I muttered.

Cain chuckled. “It’s my burden to carry.”

A familiar figure caught my gaze. Jeff—Justin and Lyla’s father. He was in the corner with a guy I knew was a lowlife and bookie, at least according to Walker. Cash passed between their hands.

“Why do you look like you want to murder someone right now?”

I did my best to mask my fury and focused on my mostly empty plate. “Take a quick look over your right shoulder.”

Cain did as I instructed, and when he turned back around, his anger was showing. “Dante said that asshole was a piece of work. Same M.O. with every woman he dates. Gets them hooked, mooches off them until they’re fed up, and then moves on.”

I straightened in my seat. “He didn’t fill me in on that.”

“I don’t think he thought it was overly pertinent. It’s in the written report he emailed.”

I’d only had time to hit the bullet points of that document, and I’d focused more on Derek. But there hadn’t been much on him other than his criminal record and known associates.

Cain took another quick glance at Jeff. “It’s interesting that he’s placing bets when Dante said he was tapped out.”

“And if he’s in Sutter Lake for weeks on end, he sure as hell isn’t working a job in Portland.”